Confronting Images

Mention the mission of Girls Inc. of Tarrant County to Carroll Burney, and her words erupt with enthusiasm.

"To let girls know they can someday conquer the world," says the vice president of marketing and development.

Conquering the world might seem like a lofty goal, but not to the participants of Girls Inc. of Tarrant County. The young women who weekly take part in activities geared to educate and enlighten know that with hard work and determination, there is no limit to their dreams.

Girls Inc. is a non-profit agency that conducts outreach, prevention and enrichment programs throughout the community. Schools, churches, libraries and neighborhood centers regularly host Girls Inc. programs for young women across 12 Tarrant County school districts including Fort Worth and Arlington.

Helping young women reach their potential is an integral part of Girls Inc. Many participants come from challenging circumstances such as single parent and economically disadvantaged homes.

"Although a lot of girls we serve tend to be lower-income, we believe all girls can be negatively affected by important issues," Burney says.

Founded in Arlington in 1996, the local chapter is part of Girls Inc. National, which seeks to prepare young women to lead successful lives.

Girls Inc. serves roughly 125,000 young women per year throughout Canada and the United States. Girls between the ages of 6 and 18 participate in any number of activities designed to encourage self-esteem, leadership skills and positive life choices.

Locally, Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, through staff and volunteers, serves more than 4,200 girls throughout the western Metroplex. Its research-based curriculum and field trips range from peer-pressure, bullying and body image to drug awareness, economic and media literacy. In addition, Girls Inc. also operates numerous after-school childcare programs. It even facilitates a specialized after-school science, math and technology program each Friday for girls in 6th through 9th grades at the Young Women's Leadership Academy in Fort Worth, 1066 W. Magnolia Ave.

"We work with them on hands-on projects to get them into it," Burney says.

Alexandra "Alex" Aguirre is but one of many success stories. Recently graduated from Trimble Tech High School, Alex received the Girls Inc. of Tarrant County "Smart Girl" Award and Scholarship. In addition, Girls Inc. National presented her with the 2012 Lucile Miller Wright $15,000 college scholarship.

During her more than two years with Girls Inc., Alex participated in numerous programs and activities including serving as CEO of the Corporate Camp team that won a trip to New York City to showcase its unique business ideas.

"I am used to being in the lead and naturally taking charge," Alex says, "but working with a team helped me realize that all good leaders are good communicators."

As the first in her family to attend college, she credits much of her success to the mentors and friends she has made at Girls Inc.

"The wisdom I have gained," she said, "will be shared with others so the legacy of Girls Inc. may not only live in me, but vicariously through others."